Pomegranate is a fruit often found in the produce section of the supermarket. But you may be surprised to know that it's also used to make medicinal treatments, too, according to Medicinal Herb Info. It may even be able to help you treat your psoriasis. Before you begin to use pomegranate for your psoriasis, ask your health care provider for advice.
Psoriasis Explained
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes red, sore, thick patches of skin, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, or USNLM, website. It can worsen over time or flare up, then get better before it flares up again. No one really knows what causes psoriasis, but a problem with the immune system is the primary suspect. Stress, dry skin or infections can make matters worse, so it's important to know how to manage psoriasis with proper treatment.
Pomegranate Uses
Pomegranate is useful in treating osteoarthritis, cancer and heart disease, says the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, website. The website for the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, or MSKCC, adds that it's also a useful treatment for lowering cholesterol, reducing blood pressure and preventing atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Recently, it's been found to be useful in treating some skin conditions.
Research
A recent article on the PubMed.gov website describes research to determine the most effective natural ingredients for treating skin conditions. One of the skin conditions it evaluated these ingredients for was the treatment of psoriasis. Pomegranate was found to be among the most effective natural ingredients for treating skin conditions.
Possible Side Effects
Pomegranate juice is considered safe when you drink up to 8 oz to 12 oz. each day for two years, says the MSKCC site. The UMMC site suggests you choose juices that are 100 percent juice with no sugar added. When used on the skin, pomegranate juice can be added to skin care products.
Forms Used
Pomegranate juice is readily available; so is the fruit itself. It can also be purchased in capsule, tablet or powder form. Any of these can be added to skin lotions or creams to treat psoriasis, or you can look for skin care products that contain pomegranate.
